Contact

Reverend Mother Mary Elizabeth O.S.C.
200 Marycrest Drive
St. Louis, MO 63129-4813

(314) 846-2618
poorclaresstl.org

1959

Year Founded

9

Members

18-36

Age Range

Autonomous

Generalate

Dioceses

St. Louis, MO

Mission

We are women religious - Poor Clare Nuns - 2nd Order of St. Francis, who earnestly pursue the Spirit of God and His holy way of working by following the Gospel in the footsteps of St. Clare of Assisi. Our wholly contemplative life is fostered by Holy Mass, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and praying the entire Liturgy of the Hours each day and night.

In the quiet and joyful atmosphere of the enclosure we are dedicated to intercession for the world and the salvation of souls. Our lives are enhanced by our simple lifestyle and enriched by our poverty.

Qualifications

A Roman Catholic woman whose age is between 18 and 36 with at least a high school education and some work experience, and who wishes to serve the Church in the hidden apostolate of Franciscan poverty, prayer and penance.

Formation

Aspirancy: Theme: Introduction to the Poor Clare Life Focus: Discovery of the Poor Clare way of Life and Self-awareness Length: 1 – 2 years Garb: Longsleeve blouse and skirt Postulancy: Theme: Assimilation and Integration Focus: Learning fundamental elements of contemplative life and more direct and concrete experience of community life according to our charism Length: 1 – 2 years Garb: Jumper, blouse and simple veil Novitiate: Theme: Consecration – Discipleship – Growing in Relationship with Christ Focus: More intense discernment/ Vows / Spousal / Greater immersion in our spirituality and Rule Length: 2 years Garb: Traditional Poor Clare habit and white veil Juniorate: Theme: Commitment– Going Deeper Focus: Greater incorporation into community life / Incarnating in daily life the vows and charism of our Order Length: 5 – 6 years Garb: Habit with black veil Solemnly Professed: Theme: Sealing of Spousal Self-gift Focus: Mission / On-going formation and conversion / incorporation of principles learned in initial formation / actualizing self-gift in the heart of community Length: Forever Garb: Habit, black veil and spousal ring

Province

Federation of Mary Immaculate

Belated Vocations

Yes, we will discern on an individual basis with women older than age 36. We will discern with women older than age 36 provided that they are not currently married. If they had been married they would either need to have an annulment, or their spouse would be deceased. They have to have sufficient health and mental ability to live the enclosed life. We will not accept anyone with a past history of an eating disorder, have celiac disease, or are gluten or peanut intolerant.